The central aim of ISLE is to promote the study of the English language, that is, the study of the structure and history of standard and non-standard varieties of English, in terms of both form and function, at an international level. We aim for the society to provide a geographically and theoretically neutral central contact point for all those who are academically active and who identify with this aim. Although there are country-specific 'Anglist' or 'English Language and Literature' associations and country-specific 'Linguistics' associations (and we hope to be in contact with these, where appropriate) ISLE is the first global umbrella organisation fulfilling this role.